U.S. patent application number 10/956769 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for gaming device having award generation with multiple indicators and indicator determination device.
Invention is credited to Baerlocher, Anthony J., Kaminkow, Joseph E..
Application Number | 20050075159 10/956769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34395859 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050075159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaminkow, Joseph E. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2005 |
Gaming device having award generation with multiple indicators and
indicator determination device
Abstract
A gaming device including a wheel and multiple award indicators.
The wheel includes a plurality of sections having awards associated
with each of the sections. The section indicators associated with
the wheel simultaneously indicate sections on the wheel. The number
of activated section indicators is determined based on at least one
award indicator activator symbol generator which is adapted to
generate one of a plurality of award indicator activator symbols
that are each associated with zero, one or more of the award
indicators of the wheel. The awards associated with the sections
indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and
provided to a player.
Inventors: |
Kaminkow, Joseph E.; (Reno,
NV) ; Baerlocher, Anthony J.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
34395859 |
Appl. No.: |
10/956769 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10956769 |
Sep 30, 2004 |
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10649091 |
Aug 27, 2003 |
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10649091 |
Aug 27, 2003 |
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10243459 |
Sep 12, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A gaming device operated under control of a processor, said
gaming device comprising: a primary game controlled by the
processor and operable upon a wager by a player; a secondary game
controlled by the processor and operable upon a triggering event in
said primary game; a plurality of awards in said secondary game; an
award generator in said secondary game, said award generator
operable to generate said plurality of awards; a plurality of award
indicators in said secondary game, said plurality of award
indicators associated with said award generator; and at least one
award indicator activator symbol generator associated with said
secondary game, said award indicator activator symbol generator
including a plurality of award indicator activator symbols, wherein
each award indicator activator symbol is associated with at least
one of said award indicators and at least one of said award
indicator activator symbols is associated with a plurality of said
award indicators; wherein said processor is operable to control a
play of said secondary game by: (a) causing said award indicator
activator symbol generator to generate at least one of said award
indicator activator symbols; (b) activating any award indicators
associated with said generated award indicator activator symbol;
(c) causing said award generator to generate a plurality of said
awards; and (d) providing the player the award indicated by each
activated award indicator.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said award indicator
activator symbol generator is a reel.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said award generator is a
wheel.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are each associated with a plurality of
said award indicators.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein each of said award
indicator activator symbols are associated with a plurality of said
award indicators.
6. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are associated with each of said award
indicators.
7. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said processor is operable
to control the play of said secondary game by causing said award
indicator activator symbol generator to generate a plurality of
said award indicator activator symbols.
8. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of
award indicator activator symbol generators.
9. A gaming device operated under control of a processor, said
gaming device comprising: a plurality of awards; an award generator
operable to generate a plurality of said awards; a plurality of
award indicators associated with said award generator; at least one
award indicator activator symbol generator controlled by the
processor and displayed to a player, said award indicator activator
symbol generator including a plurality of award indicator activator
symbols, wherein each award indicator activator symbol is
associated with at least one of said award indicators and at least
one of said award indicator activator symbols is associated with a
plurality of said award indicators; and at least one of said awards
provided to and displayed to the player by the processor, wherein
said award is based on the award indicator activator symbols
generated by the award indicator activator symbol generator and the
awards generated by the award generator which are indicated by the
award indicators associated with the generated award indicator
activator symbols.
10. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein said award indicator
activator symbol generator is a reel.
11. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein said award generator is a
wheel.
12. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are each associated with a plurality of
said award indicators.
13. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein each of said award
indicator activator symbols are associated with a plurality of said
award indicators.
14. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are associated with each of said award
indicators.
15. The gaming device of claim 9, which includes a plurality of
award indicator activator symbol generators.
16. A gaming device operated under control of a processor, said
gaming device comprising: a primary game controlled by the
processor and operable upon a wager by a player; a secondary game
controlled by the processor and operable upon a triggering event in
said primary game; a plurality of awards in said secondary game; an
award generator in said secondary game, said award generator
operable to generate said plurality of awards; a plurality of award
indicators in said secondary game, said plurality of award
indicators associated with said award generator; and a plurality of
award indicator activator symbol generators associated with said
secondary game, each of said award indicator activator symbol
generators adapted to generate a different award indicator
activator symbol, wherein each different award indicator activator
symbol is associated with one of said award indicators; wherein
said processor is operable to control a play of said secondary game
by: (a) causing at least one of said award indicator activator
symbol generators to generate at least one of said award indicator
activator symbols; (b) activating said award indicator associated
with said generated award indicator activator symbol; (c) causing
said award generator to generate a plurality of said awards; and
(d) providing the player each award indicated by each activated
award indicator.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein each of said award
indicator activator symbol generators is a reel.
18. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein said award generator is
a wheel.
19. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein said processor is
operable to control the play of said secondary game by causing a
plurality of said award indicator activator symbol generators to
each generate at least one of said award indicator activator
symbols.
20. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein said processor is
operable to control the play of said secondary game by causing each
of said award indicator activator symbol generators to generate at
least one of said award indicator activator symbols.
21. A method of operating a gaming device, said method comprising:
(a) generating at least one of a plurality of award indicator
activator symbols, wherein each award indicator activator symbol is
associated with at least one of a plurality of award indicators and
at least one of said award indicator activator symbols is
associated with a plurality of said award indicators; (b)
activating the award indicators associated with said generated
award indicator activator symbol; (c) generating a plurality of
awards; and (d) providing a player each award indicated by each
activated award indicator.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are each associated with a plurality of
said award indicators.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein each of said award indicator
activator symbols are associated with a plurality of said award
indicators.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein a plurality of said award
indicator activator symbols are associated with each of said award
indicators.
25. The method of claim 21, which includes generating a plurality
of said award indicator activator symbols.
26. The method of claim 21, which is provided to the player through
a data network.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the data network is an
internet.
28. A method of operating a gaming device, said method comprising:
(a) causing at least one of a plurality of award indicator
activator symbol generators to generate at least one of a plurality
of award indicator activator symbols, wherein each of said award
indicator activator symbol generators is associated with a
different award indicator activator symbol, each different award
indicator activator symbol is associated with one of a plurality of
award indicators, each of said award indicators is associated with
an award generator which includes a plurality of award symbols and
each of said award symbols is associated with one of a plurality of
awards; (b) activating said award indicator associated with any
generated award indicator activator symbol; (c) causing said award
generator to generate a plurality of said award symbols; (d)
determining any generated award symbols indicated by said activated
award indicators; and (e) providing a player the award associated
with each award symbol indicated by each activated award
indicator.
29. The method of claim 28, which includes causing a plurality of
said award indicator activator symbol generators to each generate
at least one of said award indicator activator symbols.
30. The method of claim 28, which includes causing each of said
award indicator activator symbol generators to generate at least
one of said award indicator activator symbols.
31. The method of claim 28, which is provided to the player through
a data network.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the data network is an
internet.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/649,091, filed Aug.
27, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,459, filed Sep. 12,
2002, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in
exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming device having
multiple selectable indicators.
[0004] Gaming device manufacturers strive to make gaming devices
that provide as much enjoyment and excitement as possible.
Providing a secondary or bonus game in which a player has an
opportunity to win potentially large awards or credits in addition
to the awards associated with the primary or base game of the
gaming device is one known method for enhancing player enjoyment
and excitement.
[0005] Gaming devices having bonus games generally employ a
triggering event that occurs during the operation of the base game
of the gaming device. The triggering event temporarily stalls or
halts the base game play and enables a player to enter a second,
different game, which is the secondary or bonus game. The player
plays the bonus game, likely receives an award, and returns to the
base game.
[0006] Bonus games exist that employ a wheel including several
awards. A player spins the wheel to obtain one or more awards on
the wheel. One such bonus game is the "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" gaming
device manufactured by the assignee of this application. In this
game, a multi-colored award wheel is attached to a gaming device.
The award wheel is divided into several sections. Each section
includes an award that ranges in value from twenty-five to one
thousand. In this game, a player plays a base game that includes
spinning reels and a central payline. When the wheel symbol is
positioned along the central payline on the third reel, the player
enters the bonus game.
[0007] In the bonus game, the player obtains one opportunity or
spin of the award wheel. The player spins the award wheel by
pressing a button on the gaming device. Once the award wheel starts
spinning, the player waits until it stops. An indicator located at
the top of the award wheel points to a section of the wheel. The
player receives the award on the indicated section for the bonus
game. After the player receives that award, the bonus game ends and
the player may resume playing the base game.
[0008] Another bonus game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,483.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,483 discloses a gaming device having a bonus
game that initially displays a primary game including several reels
with symbols to a player. Multiple paylines are associated with the
reels. A bonus game is initiated when the player obtains a specific
combination of symbols on the reels. In the bonus game, the player
spins a wheel including several awards. The number of spins of the
wheel provided to the player is based on the number of paylines
that the player played in the primary game, the number of credits
wagered on the paylines or a specific symbol combination or
combinations on the reels in the primary game. The player spins the
wheel in the bonus game and obtains a single award between
twenty-five and one thousand credits in each spin. The bonus game
ends when the player has no spins remaining. The player receives
the total accumulated award from the bonus game.
[0009] Gaming devices that increase the opportunities to obtain
awards and increase the size of the awards are desirable. Players
are attracted to games that provide several larger awards and the
opportunity to obtain a very large award. Therefore, to increase
player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide new
games for gaming devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a gaming device having
a game with an award indicator and in one embodiment, a wheel or
other display device with multiple selectable section
indicators.
[0011] In one embodiment of the gaming device, the award indicator
or wheel has a plurality of sections. Each section includes an
award symbol which is associated with one or more awards. Also, the
gaming device includes a plurality of activatable section
indicators which are adapted to indicate sections on the wheel. In
one embodiment, the wheel is a mechanical wheel that is attached to
the gaming device and the processor of the gaming device causes the
wheel to physically spin. In another embodiment, the wheel is in a
video format on a video display device of the gaming device. In one
embodiment of a game, a player receives only one spin of the wheel.
The player spins the wheel (by activating an input) and receives
the awards associated with the sections on the wheel which are
simultaneously indicated by the activated section indicators. A
total award display indicates the total award obtained by the
player in the game.
[0012] In one embodiment, the number of activated section
indicators is determined by the player's wager in the base game. In
another embodiment, the number of activated section indicators is
determined by picking one or more selections from a plurality of
selections. Thus, in a game having three section indicators, a
number one, a number two and a number three are associated with the
selections. The player picks one of the selections provided by the
gaming device from the plurality of selections to determine the
number of section indicators that will be activated in the game.
For example, if the player picks one selection and that selection
reveals the number three, the gaming device activates all three
section indicators in the game and thereby simultaneously indicates
three awards on the award wheel.
[0013] In another embodiment, a plurality of selections are
displayed to the player when the game is initiated. The player
picks one of the selections to obtain a number of activated section
indicators in the game. In one aspect of this embodiment, the
player picks selections having either a zero or a one associated
with each of the selections. After the player picks a selection, a
zero or a one is revealed to the player. If a one is revealed, the
gaming device activates one section indicator in the game. If a
zero is revealed, the gaming device does not activate one of the
section indicators in the game. The player continues to pick
selections until there are no picks remaining. The numbers
associated with the picked selections are combined or added
together to determine the number of activated section indicators
for the game. It should be appreciated that the player is
preferably not able to obtain a number of activated section
indicators in the game that exceeds the maximum number of section
indicators in the game unless the game includes multiple spins of
the wheel.
[0014] In another embodiment, the number of section indicators is
determined in a sub-game. One such embodiment of the sub-game
includes a plurality of selections and at least one set such as a
sequence associated with each section indicator, which are
displayed to the player. The selections include symbols that match
symbols in each of the sets or sequences. In addition, the
selections include section indicator symbols which activate one or
more of the section indicators in the game. In one embodiment, the
symbols in the sequences are letters and form a word or words such
as a phrase. The player picks selections to obtain the letters in
each of the sequences. In one embodiment, at least one of the
symbols or letters in the sequences in the game include an
additional award such as a number of free activations or spins. It
should be appreciated that the additional award may be credits,
values, bonus awards or any other suitable award.
[0015] If a player completes the sequence (i.e., word or phrase)
associated with one or more of the section indicators, the gaming
device activates that section indicator or section indicators in
the game. In one embodiment, the sequences include at least one
common symbol where a single pick by a player completes one or more
of the sequences in the game. In this embodiment, the gaming device
activates one, a plurality or all of the section indicators in the
game based on the picks by the player.
[0016] The section indicators may also be activated by picking one
of the selections including one or more of the corresponding
section indicator symbols. In a further embodiment, a multiplier is
associated with each sequence. The multipliers begin the sub-game
at a predetermined level such as "1.times.." The multipliers
increase by a predetermined or random amount for each revealed
symbol in the sequences associated with the multipliers. The player
continues to pick selections from a plurality of selections until
the player picks one or more of the section indicator symbols,
completely reveals all of the symbols in one or more of the
sequences or runs out of picks. If the player revealed all of the
symbols in one or more of the sequences or the player picked one or
more of the section indicator symbols, the gaming device activates
those section indicators in the game.
[0017] In one such game, the player receives a number of spins or
activations of the wheel. The gaming device causes the wheel to
spin and the activated section indicators indicate sections on the
wheel. The player obtains a cumulative award which equals the
awards indicated by each of the activated section indicators
multiplied by the multiplier associated with the activated section
indicators. The multiplied awards are summed together and provided
to the player as the total award for the game. The player continues
to spin the wheel and obtain awards until the player does not have
any spins remaining. The game ends and the player obtains the total
award indicated in the total award display.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the present invention is employed
in a primary game. In one such embodiment, the primary game
includes a plurality of reels. The reels include a plurality of
symbols and section indicator symbols which represent a number of
activated section indicators in a bonus game. The processor of the
gaming device causes the reels to spin, and activates the section
indicators in the bonus game according to the number of section
indicator symbols that appear on the reels. The section indicator
symbols may indicate specific section indicators to activate in the
bonus game or indicate the total number of section indicators to
activate in the bonus game. In another embodiment, the section
indicator symbols on the reels include a number which corresponds
to a number of activated section indicators. The player spins the
reels and attempts to obtain one or more of the section indicator
symbols located on the reels. The gaming device activates the
number of section indicators corresponding to the largest number on
the section indicator symbols. In a further embodiment, the primary
game includes a plurality of selections as described above. The
player picks the selections to activate one or more section
indicators in the bonus game. In another embodiment, a specific
combination of symbols on the reels is associated with the section
indicators in a game. The gaming device spins the reels and
activates any of the section indicators based on the specific
combinations of symbols indicated on the reels.
[0019] In another embodiment, the section indicators each include a
different color or colors. The gaming device displays a plurality
of reels including a plurality of activator symbols, each of the
activator symbols including one of the colors associated with each
of the section indicators. The gaming device or player spins the
reels and the gaming device activates one or more of the section
indicators based on the activator symbol or symbols that occur on
the reels. For example, if a blue activator symbol is indicated on
the reels, the gaming device activates the section indicator
including the color blue.
[0020] In a further embodiment, each of the reels includes a color
corresponding to a color associated with the section indicators.
Each of the reels also includes at least one activator symbol. The
gaming device or player activates the reels to indicate one or more
symbols on the reels. Then, the gaming device activates the section
indicators based on which reels the activator symbols are indicated
on in the game. For example, a game includes three reels, a blue
reel, a red reel and a yellow reel, which respectively correspond
to a blue, red and yellow section indicator in the game. The blue
section indicator is activated when at least one activator symbol
is indicated on the blue reel. The red section indicator is
activated when at least one activator symbol is indicated on the
red reel. The yellow section indicator is activated when at least
one activator symbol is indicated on the yellow reel. It should be
appreciated that the symbols and or reels may include one or more
colors or one or more combinations of colors.
[0021] In another embodiment, at least one puzzle is associated
with the section indicators in a game. In this embodiment, the
gaming device activates the section indicator or indicators
associated with the puzzle or puzzle completed by the player in the
game. In another embodiment, the gaming device displays a single
puzzle having multiple components to the player. One or more of the
components are associated with the section indicators. Therefore,
the gaming device activates the sections indicators based on which
components and/or the number of components of the puzzle completed
by the player in the game. It should be appreciated that any number
of components and/or puzzles may be employed in a game.
[0022] In a further embodiment, one or more puzzles such as the
sequences described above are employed in a persistence game. In
this type of game, the player picks symbols such as letters in one
or more of the sequences. The picked symbols remain revealed for a
designated number of games. Thus, one player may complete one or
more of the sequences during the designated number of games.
Additionally, one player may pick and reveal symbols in one or more
of the sequences in one game and a subsequent player or players may
complete the sequence or sequences in a subsequent game or
games.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
gaming device displays an award indicator or award display device
to a player. The award indicator or display includes a plurality of
award symbols. A plurality of activatable symbol indicators are
positioned adjacent to and associated with the award symbols. The
gaming device enables the player to interact with the game by
allowing the player to pick at least two of the symbol indicators
on the award indicator to activate the picked symbol indicators.
Once the symbol indicators are activated, the gaming device causes
the award indicator or display to move to indicate award symbols
with the activated symbol indicators. The awards associated with
the indicated award symbols are provided to the player and the game
ends. Therefore, the gaming device of the present invention enables
a player to obtain multiple awards in a single activation of the
award indicator which increases the player's excitement and
enjoyment of the game. Additionally, the player has an opportunity
to obtain a large award in the game which further increases the
player's excitement and enjoyment of the game.
[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the gaming device includes a
rotatable mechanical award indicator such as a sphere or ball which
is rotatably connected to and moves relative to a housing attached
to the top of the cabinet of the gaming device. The award indicator
includes a plurality of award symbols and a plurality of
activatable symbol indicators which indicate one or more of the
award symbols and provide associated awards to a player. In one
embodiment, the award indicator or display includes two sets of
award symbols. A first set of the award symbols is positioned near
the top or upper portion of the award indicator and a second set of
the award symbols is positioned near the bottom or lower portion of
the award indicator. A plurality of activatable symbol indicators
are positioned adjacent to or associated with each set of award
symbols on the award indicator.
[0025] In one embodiment, a plurality of awards are associated with
each set of the award symbols. In one aspect of this embodiment, at
least one of the awards associated with the sets of award symbols
are the same. In another aspect of this embodiment, a plurality of
the awards associated with the sets of award symbols are the same.
In a further aspect of this embodiment, all of the awards
associated with the sets of award symbols are the same. In another
embodiment, all of the awards associated with the sets of award
symbols are different. It should be appreciated that the awards may
be values, prizes, modifiers, free spins, free games, game elements
or any other suitable award or awards in a game.
[0026] In one embodiment, one or more of the symbol indicators
associated with each set of award symbols are selected and
activated to indicate one or more of the award symbols in each of
the sets. In one embodiment, the gaming device selects and
activates at least one of the symbol indicators in each set. In
another embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to select
and activate one or more symbol indicators in each set. In one
aspect of this embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to
press or otherwise activate the symbol indicators on the award
indicator. In another aspect of this embodiment, the gaming device
provides a selection display which includes a plurality of first
and second inputs associated with the first and second symbol
indicators on the award indicator. The player picks at least one of
the first inputs and at least one of the second inputs to activate
or otherwise highlight the corresponding first symbol indicator and
second symbol indicator on the award indicator in the game. In a
further embodiment, the symbol indicators are activated based on a
wager made by the player. It should be appreciated that the symbol
indicators may be randomly selected and activated, pre-selected and
activated or selected and activated according to any suitable
method. The symbol indicators may be pointers, arrows or any other
suitable indicator or indicators desired by the game implementor.
It should also be appreciated that any suitable number of symbol
indicators may be activated in a game.
[0027] In one embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to
pick one of the symbol indicators from each set of symbol
indicators in the game. The gaming device activates or otherwise
highlights the picked symbol indicators and rotates the award
indicator. When the award indicator stops rotating, the activated
symbol indicators indicate one of the award symbols in each of the
sets of award symbols in the game. The gaming device then provides
a first award associated with the indicated award symbol in the
upper set of award symbols and a second award associated with the
indicated award symbol in the lower set of award symbols. In one
embodiment, the first and second awards are values and the gaming
device sums or adds the awards or values together to provide a
total award to the player for the game. In another embodiment, the
awards are values and the gaming device multiplies the first award
and the second award together to provide a total award to the
player in the game. It should be appreciated that the first awards
and/or the second awards may be values, modifiers, free spins, free
games or any other suitable type of awards or modifiers in the
game.
[0028] In one alternative embodiment, the first and second award
symbols on the award indicator include at least one bonus symbol.
If the bonus symbol is indicated by an activated first symbol
indicator or an activated second symbol indicator, the gaming
device provides at least one free spin or activation of the award
indicator in the game. This enables a player to obtain additional
activations or spins of the award indicator and thereby additional
awards in the game. If the activated symbol indicators in a game
indicate a bonus symbol and an award such as a value, the gaming
device provides the award to the player and at least one free spin
or activation of the award indicator in the game. It should be
appreciated that the bonus symbols may be any suitable symbols or
images desired by the game implementor. It should be appreciated
that the first and second award symbols may include one or a
plurality of bonus symbols in a game.
[0029] In another alternative embodiment, the first awards
associated with the first award symbols are values and the second
awards associated with the second award symbols are different
awards such as modifiers. In this embodiment, the gaming device
modifies the value associated with the indicated first award symbol
with the modifier associated with the indicated second award symbol
to provide a total award to a player in a game. It should be
appreciated that the awards may be values, prizes, modifiers, free
spins, free games, game elements or any suitable award or
awards.
[0030] In a further alternative embodiment, the gaming device
includes a plurality of award indicators. In one aspect of this
embodiment, each award indicator includes a plurality of award
symbols and a plurality of symbol indicators positioned adjacent to
the award symbols on each of the award indicators. In one
embodiment, each award indicator independently rotates and the
activated symbol indicators on each of the award indicators
indicates an award symbol on each award indicator. The awards
associated with the indicated award symbols are combined and
provided to the player as a total award indicated by a total award
display.
[0031] In one embodiment, at least one of the awards associated
with the award symbols on each of the award indicators is the same.
In another embodiment, a plurality of the awards associated with
the award symbols on each of the award indicators are the same. In
a further embodiment, all of the awards associated with the award
symbols on all of the award indicators are the same. In another
embodiment, the awards associated with the award symbols on each of
the award indicators are different. For example, on one award
indicator, the awards associated with the award symbols include
values and on a different award indicator, the awards associated
with the award symbols are modifiers such as multipliers. It should
be appreciated that any suitable award may be associated with the
award symbols on each of the award indicators and any suitable
combination of awards may be associated with the award symbols on
each of the award indicators.
[0032] In another embodiment, the first and second award symbols
are related to each other. In this embodiment, the first and second
award symbols are arranged or positioned on the award indicator so
that the average expected award provided to the player (i.e, the
combination of the first and second awards associated with
indicated first and second award symbols) is approximately the same
in a game. In another embodiment, the first and second award
symbols are arranged on the award indicator so that the average
expected award is different for one or more indications of the
first and second award symbols in the game. It should be
appreciated that the average expected award may be the same or
change in a single game or a plurality of games.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming
device includes a plurality of primary reels or symbol generators
and at least one additional, extra, secondary or bonus reel or
other suitable symbol generator. In this embodiment, each of the
primary reels includes a plurality of symbols and the secondary
symbol generator or secondary reel includes a plurality of award
indicator activator symbols. Each award indicator activator symbol
represents zero, one or more award indicators to be activated for
one or more activations of the award generator, such as a wheel. In
one embodiment, each award indicator activator symbol is associated
with one of the award indicators of the award generator. In another
embodiment, at least one and preferably a plurality of the award
indicator activator symbols are associated with a plurality of the
award indicators of the award generator. In another embodiment, at
least one and preferably a plurality of the award indicator
activator symbols are associated with each of the indicators of the
award generator. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment,
the award indicators and the award indicator activator symbols may
each be designated with a color, number, image or other
characteristic in order to display which award indicator activator
symbols are associated with which award indicators.
[0034] In one embodiment, each award indicator activator symbol is
associated with one or more section indicators of the award wheel.
In this embodiment, one award indicator activator symbol may be
associated with one section indicator of the wheel while another
award indicator activator symbol may be associated with two or more
of the section indicators of the wheel.
[0035] In operation of this embodiment, upon a suitable triggering
event, the primary reels are activated to spin to generate a
plurality of symbols. If a predetermined event occurs, such as the
generation of a designated symbol or symbol combination, the extra
or secondary reel is activated. The activated extra reel generates
at least one award indicator activator symbol and the award
indicators associated with the generated award indicator activator
symbol(s) are activated for one or more activations of the award
generator. For example, if the extra reel generates and indicates
an award indicator activator symbol, then the gaming device
activates the section indicator associated with the generated award
indicator activator symbol for one or more spins of the wheel.
[0036] After determining which award indicators are activated for
one or more activations of the award generator, the gaming device
activates the award generator to generate one or more awards or
award symbols. In this embodiment, any award(s) indicated by the
activated award indicator(s) are provided to the player and the
game ends. For example, upon a designated symbol combination on the
primary reels, the extra reel may spin and generate a blue award
indicator activator symbol. In this example, the blue section
indicator (associated with the generated blue award indicator
activator symbol) would be active for one or more spins of the
wheel and any award indicated by the active blue section indicator
is provided to the player. In another example, if the extra reel
generates a blue/yellow award indicator activator symbol, then both
the blue section indicator and the yellow section indicator are
activated for one or more spins of the wheel.
[0037] In another embodiment, in addition to the plurality of
primary reels, the gaming device includes a plurality of
independent supplemental reels. Each of the independent
supplemental reels is individually associated with one or more
award indicator activator symbols which each represent different
award indicators of an award generator, such as a wheel. That is,
one supplemental reel will include one type of award indicator
activator symbol which is associated with one award indicator while
another supplemental reel will include another type of award
indicator activator symbol which is associated with another type of
award indicator. In one embodiment, each independent supplemental
reel is also associated with one or more non-award indicator
activator symbols. As described above, the award indicators and the
award indicator activator symbols may each be designated with a
color, number, image or other characteristic in order to display
which award indicator activator symbols are associated with which
award indicators.
[0038] In one embodiment, each award indicator activator symbol is
associated with one or more section indicators of the award wheel.
In this embodiment, one supplemental reel will include one type of
award indicator activator symbol which is associated with one
section indicator of the award wheel and another supplemental reel
will include another type of award indicator activator symbol which
is associated with another section indicator of the award
wheel.
[0039] In this embodiment, the primary reels are activated to spin
to generate a plurality of symbols. If a predetermined event
occurs, one or more of the independent supplemental reels are
activated. In other embodiments, the number and type of independent
supplemental reels which are activated is predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on the player's wager, determined
based on generated designated symbol combination or determined
based on any other suitable manner.
[0040] Each activated independent supplemental reel spins to
generate either an award indicator activator symbol or a non-award
indicator activator symbol. For each activated independent
supplemental reel which generates an award indicator activator
symbol, the gaming device activates the award indicator associated
with that generated award indicator activator symbol for one or
more activators of the award generator. In other embodiments, the
number of activations of an award generator is predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on the player's wager,
determined based on generated designated symbol combination or
determined based on any other suitable manner.
[0041] For each activated independent supplemental reel which
generates a non-award indicator activator symbol (i.e., generates a
blank symbol), the gaming device does not activate any award
indicator of the award generator. After determining which award
indicators will be activated for one or more activations of an
award generator, the gaming device activates the award generator to
generate a plurality of award symbols. Any awards associated with
any of the award symbols indicated by the activated award
indicator(s) are provided to the player and the game ends.
[0042] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to
provide a gaming device having an award indicator such as an award
wheel with multiple section indicators that provides more awards to
players.
[0043] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
gaming device having multiple player selectable symbol
indicators.
[0044] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and
processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the
gaming device of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 1B is a front perspective of another embodiment of the
gaming device of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic
configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating an example of the
embodiment of FIG. 3 where three activated section indicators
indicate different sections on an award wheel.
[0050] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating
embodiments of the present invention where the number of activated
section indicators employed in a game is based on a plurality of
selections.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention where the number of activated section indicators and
associated multipliers are determined in a sub-game.
[0052] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are enlarged front elevation views of
one of the display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating an
example of the embodiment of FIG. 6 where a player picks three
selections from the plurality of selections.
[0053] FIG. 7D is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating an award wheel
where the number of activated section indicators is based on the
selections picked by the player in FIGS. 7A to 7C.
[0054] FIG. 8A is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 8B is an enlarged front elevation view illustrating an
example of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.
[0056] FIG. 8C is an enlarged front elevation view illustrating
another alternative embodiment of the present invention where the
gaming device includes a selection display which enables a player
to pick and activate the symbol indicators in a game.
[0057] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating a further
alternative embodiment of the present invention where the award
symbols on the award indicator include bonus symbols.
[0058] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating another alternative
embodiment of the present invention where the award indicator
includes movable symbol indicators.
[0059] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating a further
alternative embodiment of the present invention where different
award symbols are included on the award indicator.
[0060] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front elevation view of one of the
display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating another alternative
embodiment of the present invention including a plurality of award
indicators.
[0061] FIG. 13 is an enlarged elevation view of one of the display
devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating a further alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D are front elevation views of one
embodiment of the present invention illustrating a secondary reel
operable to generate a section indicator symbol which is associated
with one or more section indicators.
[0063] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are front elevation views of another
embodiment of the present invention illustrating a plurality of
supplemental reels operable to generate a plurality of section
indicator symbols.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Gaming Device and Electronics
[0064] Referring now to the drawings, two embodiments of the gaming
device of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B
as gaming device 10a and gaming device 10b, respectively. Gaming
device 10a and/or gaming device 10b are generally referred to
herein as gaming device 10. Gaming device 10 in one embodiment has
the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine.
It is constructed so that a player can operate it while standing or
sitting, and gaming device 10 is preferably mounted in a cabinet.
However, it should be appreciated that gaming device 10 can be
constructed as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a
player can operate preferably while sitting. Furthermore, gaming
device 10 can be constructed with varying cabinet and display
designs, as illustrated by the designs shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Gaming device 10 can also be implemented as a program code stored
in a detachable cartridge for operating a hand-held video game
device. Also, gaming device 10 can be implemented as a program code
stored on a disk or other memory device which a player can use in a
desktop or laptop personal computer or other computerized
platform.
[0065] Gaming device 10 can incorporate any primary game such as
slot, poker, blackjack or keno, and any of the bonus triggering
events and bonus games associated with these primary games. The
symbols and indicia used on and in gaming device 10 may be in
mechanical, electrical, electronic or video form.
[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 includes
a coin slot 12 and bill acceptor 14 where the player inserts money,
coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot 12 or
paper money or ticket vouchers in the bill acceptor 14. Other
devices could be used for accepting payment such as readers or
validators for credit cards or debit cards. When a player inserts
money in gaming device 10, a number of credits corresponding to the
amount deposited is shown in a credit display 16. After depositing
the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by
pulling arm 17 or pushing play button 20. Play button 20 can be any
play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence
of events in the gaming device.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 also includes
a bet display 22 and a bet one button 24. The player places a bet
by pushing the bet one button 24. The player can increase the bet
by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button 24.
When the player pushes the bet one button 24, the number of credits
shown in the credit display 16 decreases by one, and the number of
credits shown in the bet display 22 increases by one. Other bet or
wager indicators such as a bet max button may also be employed in
the gaming device of present invention.
[0068] A player may cash out and thereby receive a number of coins
corresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash
out button 26. When the player cashes out, the player receives the
coins in a coin payout tray 28. The gaming device 10 may employ
other payout mechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a
cashier or electronically recordable cards which keep track of the
player's credits.
[0069] Gaming device 10 also includes one or more display devices.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device
30 and a mechanical wheel 100, and the alternative embodiment shown
in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 30 as well as an upper
display device 32 which displays a video image of the wheel 100 to
a player. Gaming device 10 in one embodiment displays a plurality
of reels 34 such as three to five reels 34 in mechanical or video
form at one or more of the display devices. However, it should be
appreciated that the display devices can display any visual
representation or exhibition, including but not limited to movement
of physical objects such as mechanical reels and wheels, dynamic
lighting and video images. A display device can be any viewing
surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal
display or any other display mechanism. If the reels 34 are in
video form, the display device for the video reels 34 is preferably
a video monitor. Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such
as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images
which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming
device 10. Furthermore, gaming device 10 preferably includes
speakers 36 for producing sounds such as music.
[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the general electronic
configuration of gaming device 10 preferably includes: a processor
38; a memory device 40 for storing program code or other data; a
central display device 30; an upper display device 32; a mechanical
wheel 100; a sound card 42; a plurality of speakers 36; and one or
more input devices 44. The processor 38 is preferably a
microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable
of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of
people, characters, places, things and faces of cards. One or more
secondary processors may also be employed in conjunction with the
primary processor to control certain aspects of the game function.
The memory device 40 can include random access memory (RAM) 46 for
storing event data or other data generated or used during a
particular game. The memory device 40 can also include read only
memory (ROM) 48 for storing program code which controls the gaming
device 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with
applicable game rules and pay tables.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the player preferably uses the
input devices 44, such as pull arm 18, play button 20, the bet one
button 24 and the cash out button 26 to input signals into gaming
device 10. In certain instances it is preferable to use a touch
screen 50 and an associated touch screen controller 52 instead of a
conventional video monitor display device. Touch screen 50 and
touch screen controller 52 are connected to a video controller 54
and processor 38. A player can make decisions and input signals
into the gaming device 10 by touching touch screen 50 at the
appropriate places. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the processor
38 can be connected to coin slot 12 or bill acceptor 14. The
processor 38 can be programmed to require a player to deposit a
certain amount of money in order to start the game.
[0072] It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and
memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present
invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one
or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's) or other
hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively or
alternatively referred to herein as a "processor"). Furthermore,
although the processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside on
each gaming device 10 unit, it is possible to provide some or all
of their functions at a central location such as a network server
for communication to a playing station such as over a local area
network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection,
microwave link, and the like. The processor 38 and memory device 40
are generally referred to herein as the "computer" or
"controller."
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, to operate the gaming
device 10, in one embodiment the player must insert the appropriate
amount of money or tokens at coin slot 12 or bill acceptor 14 and
then pull the arm 18 or push the play button 20. The reels 34 will
then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels 34 will come to a stop.
As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin
the reels 34 again. Depending upon where the reels 34 stop, the
player may or may not win additional credits.
[0074] In addition to winning credits in this manner, in one
embodiment gaming device 10 also gives players the opportunity to
win credits in a bonus game. This type of gaming device 10 will
include a program which will automatically begins a bonus game when
the player has achieved a qualifying condition in the game. This
qualifying condition can be a particular arrangement of indicia on
a display device. The gaming device 10 may use mechanical devices
or a video-based central display device 30 to enable the player to
play the bonus game. In one embodiment, the qualifying condition is
a predetermined combination of indicia appearing on a plurality of
reels 34. As illustrated in the five reel slot game shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B, the qualifying condition could be the number seven
appearing on three adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56. It should
be appreciated that the present invention can include one or more
paylines, such as payline 56, wherein the paylines can be
horizontal, diagonal or any combination thereof.
Bonus Game
[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, if a player
achieves a bonus triggering or qualifying condition during the
primary game, the gaming device 10 initiates the secondary or bonus
game of the present invention.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated where the bonus game includes a mechanical
or video wheel 100 having a plurality of sections 102. An award
symbol 104 is associated with each section 102. One or more awards
are associated with the award symbols 104. The awards may be any
suitable award such as values, credits, free spins, free games,
multipliers or award opportunities as desired by the game
implementor. The gaming device includes a plurality of award
indicators such as section indicators 106, 108 and 110, designated
by the letters A, B and C, respectively, which are associated with
the wheel 100. It should be appreciated that the indicators 106,
108 and 110 may by designated by colors, characters, numbers,
images or any suitable designator. Each section indicator is
adapted to indicate one of the sections 102 on the wheel 100. In
one embodiment, the wheel rotates in a counter clockwise direction
as indicated by arrow 112 in FIG. 3. It should be appreciated,
however, that the wheel may rotate in a clockwise direction, a
counter clockwise direction, or any combination therein. It should
also be appreciated that the wheel may remain stationary and the
section indicators may move about the wheel or both the wheel and
the section indicators may move in the same direction or different
directions. A total award display 114 indicates the total award
obtained by the player in the game. The total award displayed in
the total award display 114 at the end of the game is the total
award provided to the player for the game.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the gaming device
activates a predetermined number of section indicators at the start
of the game. In another embodiment, the gaming device activates a
random number of section indicators. In a further embodiment, the
player's wager in the base game or primary game determines the
number of section indicators that are activated in the game. In
FIG. 4, the gaming device activates all three of the section
indicators A, B and C, or 106, 108 and 110, respectively which are
provided in the game. Each activated section indicator is adapted
to indicate a section 102 on the wheel 100. In this embodiment, the
player has one spin in the game. The player receives the awards
associated with the award symbols indicated by the activated
section indicators 106, 108 and 110. It should be appreciated,
however, that the gaming device may provide multiple spins in the
game.
[0078] In FIG. 4, the gaming device activates or spins the wheel
100. When the wheel stops spinning, the activated section
indicators 106, 108 and 110 indicate sections on the wheel having
awards of twenty-five, fifty and seventy-five, respectively. The
awards are added or summed to provide the total award for the game
to the player. In this example, the total award indicated by the
activated section indicators 106, 108 and 110 is one hundred fifty.
The award of one hundred fifty is transferred to the total award
display 114 and is provided to the player in the game. It should be
appreciated that the awards may be summed, multiplied, or modified
in any other suitable manner desired by the game implementor.
[0079] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a
plurality of masked selections are displayed to the player prior to
or at the start of the game. The gaming device enables the player
to pick one or more of the masked or hidden selections to determine
and activate a number of section indicators in the bonus game.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 5A, the plurality of selections 116a
include selections 118a. Numbers such as integers "1," "2" and "3"
are randomly associated with the selections 118a and represent the
number of activated section indictors in a game. It should be
appreciated that the value of the largest integer associated with
the selections is equal to or less than the maximum number of
section indicators in a game. Initially, the selections 118a are
masked or hidden from the player. The player is provided with a
number of picks from the selections 118a to pick a number of
section indicators to activate in the game. In one embodiment, the
player is provided with one selection from the pluraltyi of
selections 116a. The player may activate "1", "2" or "3" section
indicators as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In one example, the player
receives one pick from the plurality of selections 116a. If the
player picks selection 118a, which reveals the number "2," the
gaming device activates two of the section indicators in the game.
In another example, if the player picks a selection 118a, which
reveals the number "3," the gaming device activates three of the
section indicators in the game. It should be appreciated that the
gaming device may activate specific indicators or randomly activate
one or more of the section indicators.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 5B, the plurality of selections 116b
includes symbols such as numbers "0" and "1". The player receives a
number of picks to pick the selections. When the player picks one
of the selections, one of the numbers such as the "0" or "1," is
revealed and displayed to the player. The sum of the numbers
associated with the picked selections equals the number of
activated section indicators provided to the player in the game. In
one embodiment, the sum of the numbers associated with the
selections is greater than the number of possible section
indicators in the game. In this embodiment, the player has a
greater chance of activating the maximum number of section
indicators in the game.
[0082] In FIG. 5B, the player can activate up to three section
indicators in the game. Therefore, the player may obtain "0," "1,"
"2" or "3" activated section indicators in the game after picking
one or more of the selections. If the player picks a selection
118b, which reveals the number "1," the gaming device activates one
of the section indicators in the game. Subsequently, if the player
picks two of the other selections 118b where both picked selections
reveal the number "1," the player receives the total or sum of the
numbers associated with the picked selections, which is three.
Thus, the gaming device activates the maximum number of section
indicators (i.e., three) in the game. It should be appreciated that
the player may pick and the gaming device may activate any number
of section indicators depending on the numbers associated with the
selections. It should also be appreciated that a plurality of
symbols may be used to represent the numbers of activated section
indicators in the selections wherein a player picks a selection
having a symbol and receives the number of activated section
indicators associated with the picked symbol.
[0083] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the number of
activated section indicators is determined in a sub-game. In one
such sub-game, the gaming device displays a set such as a sequence
or sequences 130, 132 and 134 and a plurality of selections 136 to
the player. In the illustrated embodiment, each section indicator
106, 108 and 110 has an associated set or sequence 130, 132 and
134, respectively. Each sequence includes symbols such as letters,
numbers or any other desired character or symbol. In this
embodiment, the symbols are letters which form a word or phrase.
The letters in the sequences are initially masked or hidden from
the player. In one embodiment, the player picks symbols such as
letters to complete one or more of the sequences. The gaming device
then activates the section indicator or section indicators
associated with the completed sequence or sequences. In this
embodiment, the sequences include one or more common symbols where
a single pick of the symbols in one of the sequences completes one,
two or more of the sequences in the game. Thus, a single pick
activates one or more of the section indicators in the game.
[0084] The selections include several symbols where some of the
symbols are letters such as the letter "T" indicated in selection
138 or the letter "N" indicated in selection 142. The other
selections include indicator symbols such as section indicator
symbols which activate one or more of the section indicators 106,
108 and 110 in the game. Therefore, one of the selections includes
a section indicator symbol which activates the section indicator
106. Another of the selections includes section indicator symbol
which activates the section indicator 108, and another selection
includes section indicator symbol which activates the section
indicator 110. Furthermore, three of the selections include
combinations of the section indicator symbols which activate one or
more of the section indicators 106, 108 and 110 in the game. In one
selection, the section indicator symbols which activate the section
indicators 106 and 108 are paired together. In another selection,
the section indicator symbols which activate the section indicator
symbols 106 and 110 are paired together. In a further selection,
section indicator symbols which activate the section indicators 108
and 110 are paired together. In a final selection all three of the
section indicator symbols are grouped together. It should be
appreciated that the selections 136 are initially masked or hidden
from the player so that the player does not know where a particular
letter or section indicator symbol is located in the plurality of
selections 136. The symbols associated with the selections 136 are
revealed to the player when the player picks the selections.
[0085] In the sub-game illustrated in FIG. 6, the player picks
selections 136 to reveal a matching letter or letters in one or
more of the sequences.
[0086] In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a symbol or
letter selector which enables a player to select one or more of the
letters in the sequences. The letter selector may be a set of
buttons that correspondence to each of the letters in the sequences
or a plurality of selections that include the letters in the
sequences as described above.
[0087] In another embodiment, some of the letters in each sequence
are initially revealed to the player. The player then must attempt
to pick selections 136 that reveal the remaining letters in each of
the sequences.
[0088] In one embodiment, a multiplier is associated with each of
the section indicators. The multipliers change in value based on
the letters that are revealed in the sequences. A multiplier
display is associated with each section indicator. Therefore in
FIG. 6, multiplier A display 144a is associated with section
indicator A (106), multiplier B display 146a is associated with
section indicator B (108) and multiplier C display 148a is
associated with section indicator C (110). The multiplier displays
144a, 146a and 148a indicate the value of the multiplier associated
with each of the section indicators 106, 108 and 110, respectively,
during the sub-game. In one embodiment, the value of the multiplier
associated with each section indicator increases by one for each
letter picked by the player from the plurality of selections 136
that match one of the letters in the corresponding sequences 130,
132 or 134, respectively. The multipliers may increase by a
predetermined or random amount for each matched letter. It should
be appreciated that the multipliers may also decrease by any amount
or remain unchanged. For example in FIG. 6, if a player picks the
selection that reveals the letter "P," which is associated with
sequence 132, the multiplier displayed in the multiplier B display
146a increases from "1.times." to "2.times.." If the player picks
another letter from the selections 136 that matches one of the
letters in the sequence 132, the multiplier increases by one again
to "3.times.." In one embodiment, each letter associated with the
plurality of selections is associated with one of the sequences
130, 132 and 134. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player can
only increase the multiplier associated with one of the section
indicators 106, 108 and 110 with each pick. In another embodiment,
a letter may be associated with one or more of the sequences. In
this embodiment, one of the picked letters may increase the
multiplier associated with one or more of the sequences associated
with the section indicators.
[0089] Additionally, in one embodiment, one or more of the symbols
or letters includes an additional award such as a number of free
spins of the award indicator, credits, values or any suitable award
or values. The gaming device provides the additional award to the
player when the player picks the symbol or symbol in the game.
[0090] In the sub-game illustrated in FIG. 6, if the player picks a
selection 136 that reveals one or more section indicator symbols,
the gaming device activates the section indicators associated with
those section indicator symbols in the game. For example, if the
player picks a selection having section indicator symbols
associated with section indicators 106 and 108, then the gaming
device activates the section indicators 106 and 108 in the game.
The gaming device does not activate section indicator 110 in the
game because as of that point in the game, the player did not pick
the selection having the section indicator symbol associated with
section indicator 110. Similarly, if the player picks the selection
including all three section indicator symbols associated with
section indicators 106, 108 and 110, then the gaming device
activates the maximum number of section indicators in the game,
which in this example is three. Once the player picks a selection
that reveals one or more section indicator symbols, the gaming
device activates the section indicators associated with those
symbols and the game initiates. In the game, the gaming device or
the player spins the wheel illustrated in FIG. 4, having the number
of activated section indicators associated with the section
indicator symbols picked by the player. The awards associated with
the award symbols on the indicated sections are multiplied by the
multipliers associated with the activated section indicators. The
multiplied awards are summed or added together and provided to the
player at the end of the game.
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7D, an example of the
embodiment of FIG. 6 is illustrated where the player is provided
with a plurality of masked or hidden selections 136. In this
example, the multipliers associated with section indicators 106,
108 and 110 are initially at "1.times.." It should be appreciated
that the multipliers may start at any value and may be different
values. Also, the sequences 130, 132 and 134 include a plurality of
letters which form the words "BUCKET," "TEARDROP" and "SQUEEZE."
However, the words may be any words or other symbol combinations
desired by the game implementor.
[0092] In FIG. 7A, the player picks selection 150 from the
plurality of selections 136 with their first pick. The selection
150 reveals the letter "D." The letter "D" is only associated with
sequence 132. Thus, the letter "D" is revealed in sequence 132 and
the multiplier associated with section indicator 108, which is
displayed in Multiplier "B" Display 146a, is increased by one from
"1.times." to "2.times.." The player continues to pick selections
from the plurality of selections 136 until the player picks a
selection that reveals one or more section indicator symbols.
[0093] In FIG. 7B, the player picks a second selection from the
plurality of selections 136. The player picks selection 154, which
reveals the letter "Q." The letter "Q" is associated with sequence
134 and only appears once in that sequence. As a result, the
multiplier displayed in Multiplier C Display 148a, which is
associated with section indicator 110, is increased by one from
"1.times." to "2.times.." Since the player did not pick a selection
including one or more section indicator symbols, the player
continues to pick selections from the plurality of selections
136.
[0094] In FIG. 7C, the player picks a third selection, selection
158, from the plurality of selections 136. Selection 158 reveals
three section indicator symbols. The section indicator symbols are
associated with section indicators 106, 108 and 110. Therefore, the
gaming device activates the maximum number of section indicators in
the game. In one embodiment, the section indicator symbols are not
associated with any additional awards. In another embodiment, each
section indicator symbol or all of the section indicator symbols
are associated with one or more additional awards, which are
provided to the player when the player picks the selection
associated with one or more of the section indicator symbols. In
this example, the player only obtains the lowest multiplier value
(i.e., 1.times.) for section indicator symbol 106 as indicated by
Multiplier A Display 144a. However, the player did pick a selection
that revealed one letter in the sequences 132 and 134, which are
associated with section indicators 108 and 110, respectively. Thus,
the player obtained a multiplier of "2.times." for section
indicators 108 and 110, as indicated by Multiplier B Display 146a
and Multiplier C Display 148a.
[0095] In the game, the gaming device activates all three section
indicators and provides the player with one spin. The player spins
the wheel and receives the awards associated with the sections
indicated by the activated section indicators 106, 108 and 110 in
that spin. Furthermore, the award associated with each section
indicated by the activated section indicators 106, 108 and 110 is
multiplied by the multipliers associated with those section
indicators as displayed by Multiplier A Display 144a, Multiplier B
Display 146a, and Multiplier C Display 148a. Thus, the award
indicated by section indicator 106 will be multiplied by "1.times."
as indicated in the Multiplier A Display 144a, the award indicated
by indicator 108 will be multiplied by "2.times." as indicated in
Multiplier B Display 146a and the award indicated by section
indicator 110 will be multiplied by "2.times." as indicated by
Multiplier C Display 148a.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 7D, the gaming device initiates the
bonus game and displays a wheel 100 having a plurality of sections
102. Several award symbols 104 are associated with sections 102.
Because the player obtained all three section indicators 106, 108
and 110 in the sub-game, the gaming device activates all three
section indicators, such as by illuminating or highlighting the
activated section indicators, to show that all three section
indicators are activated for the game. If the player only obtained
two of the section indicators in the sub-game, only those two
section indicators obtained by the player are activated for the
game. The wheel 100 rotates in a clockwise direction as shown by
arrow 112. Also, the gaming device displays a multiplier display
associated with each section indicator. Multiplier A Display 144b
is associated with section indicator A (106). Multiplier B Display
146b is associated with section indicator B (108). Multiplier C
Display 148b is associated with section indicator C (110). In
addition, a total award display 114 displays or indicates the total
award accumulated by the player in the game.
[0097] In the game illustrated in FIG. 7D, the gaming device or the
player spins the wheel 100. When the wheel stops spinning, the
activated section indicators 106, 108 and 110 indicate sections
including award symbols with awards of ten, twenty-five and
twenty-five, respectively. Thus, the award associated with section
indicator 106, which is ten, is multiplied by the multiplier
associated with the section indicator 106 and indicated by
Multiplier A Display 144b, which is "1.times.." The award indicated
by section indicator 108, which is twenty-five, is multiplied by
the multiplier associated with the section indicator 108 and
indicated in Multiplier B Display 146b, which is "2.times.." The
award indicated by section indicator 110, which is twenty-five, is
multiplied by the multiplier associated with the section indicator
110 and indicated in Multiplier C Display 148b, which is
"2.times.." Thus, the awards indicated by section indicators 106,
108 and 110 are modified or multiplied by the corresponding
multipliers to become awards of ten, fifty and fifty, respectively.
The awards are added or summed together to provide the total award
of one hundred ten as indicated by total award display 114. The
player receives the total award of one hundred ten for the
game.
[0098] In a further embodiment, the present invention is employed
as a primary game. In one such primary game, the number of
activated section indicators may be determined on a plurality of
reels, from a plurality of selections or in any suitable game. In
one such primary game, the number of section indicators activated
in a subsequent game such as the bonus game are determined by a
plurality of reels. The reels include one or more section indicator
symbols or activator symbols. The gaming device or the player spins
the reels and the gaming device activates the section indicators
based on the number of the section indicator symbols that appear on
the reels. For example, if two section indicator symbols appear on
the reels, the gaming device activates two section indicator
symbols in a subsequent game. It should be appreciated that the
number of section indicator symbols included on the reels equals or
is less than the maximum number of section indicators available in
the subsequent game such as the bonus game.
[0099] In another embodiment of the above primary game, the section
indicator symbols include numbers such as integers which represent
a number of section indicators to activate in a subsequent game.
For example, the section indicators may include the numbers "1",
"2" and "3". The gaming device or player spins the reels and the
gaming device activates the number of section indicators associated
with the section indicator symbol having the greatest number
associated with it which appears on the reels. In a further aspect
of this embodiment, a plurality of selections are displayed to the
player in the primary game and the player picks selections as
described above to obtain a number of activated section indicators
in a subsequent game. It should be appreciated that any suitable
number of section indicators may be activated in a game where the
number of activated section indicators is equal to or less than the
number associated with the section indicator symbol or symbols that
occur on the reels.
[0100] In another embodiment, each of the section indicators in a
game are associated with a specific combination of symbols on the
reels. The gaming device spins the reels and activates one or more
of the section indicators when the specific combination or
combinations of symbols associated with the section indicators are
indicated on the reels. For example, a game includes two section
indicators designated by the letters A and B. Section indicator A
is activated when two A symbols occur on the reels. Section
indicator B is activated when three B symbols appear on the reels.
The gaming device spins the reels and two A symbols are indicated
or occur on the reels. Thus, the gaming device activates section
indicator A in the game.
[0101] In a further aspect of this embodiment, the section
indicators include different colors such as red, blue and green. It
should be appreciated that the section indicators may include any
suitable color or combination of colors in a game. It should also
be appreciated that the section indicators may be designated by
colors, numbers, characters, symbols, images or any suitable
designator. In this embodiment, each section indicator includes a
different color and the reels include activator symbols including
each of the different colors. Thus, one or more of the section
indicators are activated when one or more of the colors or
activator symbols including the colors corresponding to the section
indicators are indicated on the reels as described above. It should
be appreciated that the section indicators may be activated based
on a combination of one or more symbols including the same color or
different colors in a game.
[0102] In a further embodiment, the reels include a plurality of
symbols and are designated by one or more colors corresponding to
the colors associated with each of the section indicators in a
game. In this embodiment, the gaming device activates a section
indicator when one or more activator symbols occur on the reel
including the color associated with the section indicator. For
example, the section indicator including the color red is activated
when one or more designated activator symbols occur on the reel
including the color red. It should be appreciated that one or more
reels may be employed in a game and the reels may include one or
more colors or color combinations as desired by the game
implementor.
[0103] In another embodiment, one or more puzzles are associated
with the section indicators. The gaming device enables a player to
solve or complete the puzzle or puzzles to activate one or more of
the section indicators. In one aspect of this embodiment, one
puzzle is associated with each of the section indicators in a game.
The gaming device activates one or more of the section indicators
when the player solves or completes the puzzle or puzzles
associated with those section indicators. In another aspect of this
embodiment, a single puzzle including one or more components is
associated with all of the section indicators in a game.
Specifically, one or more of the components in the puzzle are
associated with each of the section indicators. Therefore, the
gaming device activates the section indicators based on the
specific component or components that are solved or completed by
the player in the puzzle.
[0104] In a further embodiment, the sequences described above are
employed in a persistence game. In this embodiment, the gaming
device enables the player to pick symbols in one or more of the
sequences in the game to activate at least one of the section
indicators in the game. Any symbols picked by the player remain
displayed or indicated in the sequences for a designated number of
games. Therefore, a player may complete a sequence in a single game
or in a plurality of games. Similarly, one player may initially
reveal some of the symbols in the sequences in one game and a
subsequent player or players may complete or solve one or more of
the sequences in a subsequent game or games. It should be
appreciated that the designated number of games may be randomly
determined, predetermined, determined based on a wager by a player
or according to any suitable determination method. It should also
be appreciated that the picked symbols in the sequences may remain
revealed or displayed to the players until one or more of the
sequences are completed.
[0105] Referring now to FIG. 8A, an alternative embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated where the gaming device includes
an award indicator or display 200 having a plurality of first award
symbols 202a, 202b and 202c, which are positioned near the top or
upper portion of the award indicator 200, and a plurality of second
award symbols 202d, 202e and 202f, which are positioned near the
bottom or lower portion of the award indicator 200. The gaming
device also includes, a plurality of activatable first symbol
indicators 204a, 204b and 204c, which are positioned adjacent to
and indicate one or more of the first award symbols 202a, 202b and
202c, respectively, and a plurality of activatable second symbol
indicators 204d, 204e and 204f which are positioned adjacent to and
indicate one or more of the second award symbols 202d, 202e and
202f, respectively.
[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming
device or player picks one of the first symbol indicators 204a,
204b and 204c and one of the symbol indicators 204d, 204e and 204f
to indicate award symbols in the game. The selected first and
second symbol indicators are illuminated, highlighted or otherwise
activated and the gaming device then moves or rotates the award
indicator 200. Once the award indicator or display 200 stops moving
or rotating, the activated or highlighted symbol indicators
indicate award symbols on the award indicator, which correspond to
those indicators. The award or awards associated with the indicated
award symbols 202 are combined (such as being summed or multiplied
together) and provided to the player as a total award in the
game.
[0107] In one embodiment, the award indicator or display 200 is in
the form of a mechanical sphere or ball which is positioned inside
a receptacle or opening 201 formed in a housing such as display
device 32 where the award indicator 200 is rotatably connected to
the housing. In one embodiment, the housing is attached to the top
of the cabinet of the gaming device 10. In another embodiment, the
housing is separate from the cabinet and viewable by the player.
The award indicator 200 is positioned and connected to the cabinet
so that there is enough space or clearance between the award
indicator and the housing to enable the award indicator to rotate
within the housing. The award indicator is also positioned so that
at least a portion of the award indicator is viewable by a player.
In one embodiment, the award indicator 200 rotates from the left to
the right as shown by arrow 206. In another embodiment, the award
indicator rotates from the right to the left. It should be
appreciated that the award indicator may rotate in any suitable
direction or combination of directions. In one embodiment, the
shape and size of the award indicator 200 is based on the theme or
themes associated with the gaming device. It should also be
appreciated that the award indicator may be any suitable size or
shape, or based on any suitable theme or themes associated with a
game. In one embodiment, the award indicator 200 is manufactured
using a durable material such as suitable plastic. It should be
appreciated that the award indicator may be manufactured using any
suitable material.
[0108] In one embodiment, the award symbols 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d,
202e and 202f are separate symbols which are attached to the
surface of the award indicator or display 200. In another
embodiment, the award symbols are video symbols which are displayed
on the award indicator. It should be appreciated that the award
symbols 202 may be letters, numbers, characters, images or any
suitable types of symbol or symbols. In this embodiment, the first
and second award symbols 202a and 202b are laterally spaced apart
on the award indicator to correspond with the lateral spacing of
the symbol indicators 204. As shown in FIG. 8A, the first and
second award symbols extend around the surface of the award
indicator 200. It should be appreciated that one or a plurality of
award symbols may be included on the award indicator. Additionally,
it should be appreciated that the award symbols may be placed on
one position or area of the award indicator or at any suitable
position or positions on the award indicator.
[0109] In one embodiment, a plurality of first awards are
associated with the first award symbols such as first award symbols
202a, 202b and 202c, and a plurality of second awards are
associated with the plurality of second awards symbols such as
202d, 202e and 202f. In this embodiment, the awards are award
values such as the values sixty-five, five and twenty or fifteen,
one hundred and thirty. It should be appreciated that the awards
may be values, prizes, modifiers, free spins, free games, game
elements or any other suitable type of awards. In one embodiment,
at least one of the first and second awards are the same. In
another embodiment, a plurality of the first and second awards are
the same. In a further embodiment, all of the first and second
awards are the same. In another embodiment, all of the first and
second awards are different.
[0110] In one embodiment, the first symbol indicators 204a, 204b
and 204c are each in the form of an arrow which points generally
downward towards the first award symbols 202a, 202b and 202c. It
should be appreciated that the first symbol indicators may be any
suitable size or shape or pointed in any suitable direction to
indicate the first award symbols on the award indicator. In one
embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to pick at least one
of the first symbol indicators 204a, 204b, and 204c to activate or
highlight the picked first symbol indicator or indicators in a
game. In one embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to
physically touch or press the symbol indicators to activate the
symbol indicators in the game. In another embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one input or selector such as a button
which enables the player to pick and activate one or more of the
symbol indicators in the game. For example, when a player picks the
first symbol indicator 204b, the symbol indicator 204b is
highlighted or otherwise illuminated to show that the symbol
indicator was selected and activated in the game. The award
indicator or display 200 is moved or rotated and the activated
symbol indicator 204b indicates an award symbol 202b in the game.
It should be appreciated that the symbol indicators may be randomly
activated, activated based on a wager by the player, activated when
a player picks one of the symbol indicators or activated according
to any suitable method.
[0111] In one embodiment, another set of activatable symbol
indicators such as the second symbol indicators 204d, 204e and 204f
are positioned near the bottom or lower portion of the award
indicator 200 and indicate one or more of the second award symbols
202d, 202e and 202f. In this embodiment, the second symbol
indicators 204d, 204e and 204f are each in the form of arrows and
point generally upward towards one of the first award symbols. It
should be appreciated that the second symbol indicators may be any
suitable size or shape. Similar to the first symbol indicators
described above, in one embodiment, the gaming device enables a
player to pick one or more of the second symbol indicators 204d,
204e and 204f to activate or highlight the second symbol indicators
and indicate one or more of the second award symbols. It should be
appreciated that the player may touch the symbol indicator, press
one of a plurality of inputs associated with the symbol indicators
or use any other suitable type of input or selector as described
above to select and activate the second symbol indicators 204d,
204e and 204f. It should be also appreciated that any suitable
number of first and/or second symbol indicators may be selected and
activated in a game or games.
[0112] Additionally, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes
a total award display 208 which indicates the total value of the
award or awards accumulated by the player in a game or games. It
should be appreciated that the gaming device may include any
suitable display or displays in a game.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 8B, an example of the embodiment of
FIG. 8A is illustrated. In this example, when the bonus game is
triggered, the gaming device enables a player to pick and activate
one of the first symbol indicators 204a, 204b and 204c and pick and
activate one of the second symbol indicators 204d, 204e and 204f.
The player picks first symbol indicator 204b and second symbol
indicator 204f, which activates or highlights the selected first
and second symbol indicators 204b and 204f in the game. The gaming
device then spins or rotates the award indicator 200 in the
direction shown by arrow 206. Once the award indicator 200 stops
spinning, the activated first and second symbol indicators 204b and
204f (i.e., the symbol indicators picked by the player) indicate
one of the first award symbols 202a and one of the second award
symbols 202b on the award indicator 200. Specifically, in this
example, the activated first symbol indicator 204b indicates a
first award symbol 202b including an associated first award of
seventy-five and the activated second symbol indicator 204f
indicates a second award symbol 202f including an associated second
award of one hundred. In this embodiment, the first and second
awards of seventy-five and one hundred, respectively, which are
associated with the indicated first and second award symbols, are
added or summed together to provide the player with a total award
of one hundred seventy-five as indicated by the total award display
208.
[0114] In another embodiment, the first and second awards
associated with the indicated first and second award symbols are
modified and then provided to the player. For example, the first
award of seventy-five is multiplied by the second award of one
hundred to provide the player with a total award of seven thousand
five hundred for the game. It should be appreciated that the awards
associated with the indicated award symbols may be modified or
otherwise combined in any suitable manner desired by the game
implementor.
[0115] Referring now to FIG. 8C, another alternative embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated where the embodiment of FIG.
8A further includes a selection display 209 which enables a player
to select and activate at least one of the first symbol indicators
204a, 204b and 204c and the second symbol indicators 204d, 204e and
204f. In this embodiment, the selection display 209 is a video
display which includes a plurality of player selectable inputs such
as a plurality of first inputs 212a, 212b and 212c in a plurality
of second inputs 212d, 212e and 212f. The gaming device enables a
player to press or activate at least one of the first inputs and at
least one of the second inputs to highlight a corresponding
activator symbol 210a, 210b and 210c and a corresponding second
activator symbol 210d, 210e and 210f. The highlighted or
illuminated activator symbols activate the corresponding symbol
indicators 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e and 204f on the award
indicator 200.
[0116] For example in FIG. 8C, the selection display 209 displays a
plurality of first inputs such as the target symbols 212a, 212b and
212c and a plurality of second inputs such as the spaceships 212d,
212e and 212f. It should be appreciated that the inputs may be any
suitable symbols or images, or associated with any suitable theme
or themes associated with a game. The player first picks one of the
second inputs 212d, 212e or 212f to highlight or illuminate one of
the corresponding second activators 210d, 210e and 210f. In this
example, the player picks the second input 212e which highlights or
illuminates the second activator 210e. Therefore, the corresponding
symbol indicator 204e is activated or highlighted on the award
indicator 200 as shown in FIG. 8C. Next, the player picks one of
the first inputs or target symbols 212a, 212b or 212c to highlight
or illuminate one of the first activators 210a, 210b or 210c. In
this example, the player picks target symbol 212a which highlights
or illuminates first activator 210a. As a result, the corresponding
symbol indicator 204a is activated or highlighted on the award
indicator 200. The gaming device then rotates or spins the award
indicator 200 and the activated first symbol indicator indicates an
award symbol 202a having an award of fifty-five and the activated
second symbol indicator 204e indicates an award symbol 202e having
an award of thirty. The gaming device adds the first and second
awards together to provide a total award of eighty-five to the
player as indicated by the total award display 208. It should be
appreciated that any suitable inputs, buttons or other activation
devices may be employed in a game to select one or more of the
symbol indicators 204 on the award indicator 200 in the game.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 9, a further alternative embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated where the first and second
award symbols include at least one bonus symbol such as the target
symbol 250. In this embodiment, each of the target symbols 250 is
associated with at least one free spin or free activation of the
award indicator in the game. Therefore, if the player picks one of
the symbol indicators 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e or 204f which
indicates one of the target symbols 250, the gaming device provides
the player with at least one free spin or free activation of the
award indicator 200 in the game. This adds further excitement and
enjoyment for the player because the player will obtain additional
opportunities to obtain more awards in the game. It should be
appreciated that the bonus symbols may be any suitable symbol or
image desired by the game implementor. It also should be
appreciated that the first and second award symbols may include one
or more bonus symbols in a game. It should further be appreciated
that the bonus symbols may provide one or more free spins or
activations of the award indicator in a game.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, the player picked and activated first
symbol indicator 204a and second symbol indicator 204e which
indicate a target symbol 250 and an award symbol having an award of
one hundred. The gaming device provides the player with the award
of one hundred as indicated by the total award display 208 and at
least one free spin or activation of the award indicator in the
game. As a result, the player obtains additional opportunities to
obtain more awards in the game.
[0119] Referring now to FIG. 10, another alternative embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated where the first symbol
indicators 304a, 304b and 304c and the second symbol indicators
304d, 304e and 304f move relative to the award indicator 300. In
this embodiment, the award indicator 300 remains stationary while
the first and second symbol indicators move or rotate from the left
to the right as indicated by arrows 306a and 306b to indicate one
or more of the first and second award symbols 302a, 302b, 302c and
302d, 302e and 302f, respectively, included on the award indicator.
In another embodiment, the first and second symbol indicators
rotate from the right to the left while the award indicator 300
remains stationary. In one embodiment, the first symbol indicators
304a, 304b and 304c move in the same direction as the second symbol
indicators 304d, 304e and 304f. In another embodiment, the first
symbol indicators move in a different direction from the second
symbol indicators. It should be appreciated that the first and
second symbol indicators may move in the same direction, different
directions or any suitable combination of directions as desired by
the game implementor.
[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming
device or player picks and activates one or more of the first
symbol indicators 304a, 304b and 304c and one or more of the second
symbol indicators 304d, 304e and 304f. The gaming device then
rotates the symbol indicators relative to the award indicator. Once
the symbol indicators stop moving or rotating, the activated first
and second symbol indicators indicate corresponding first and
second award symbols on the award indicator 300. The first and
second awards associated with the indicated first and second award
symbols are summed, multiplied or otherwise modified as described
above and provided to the player as a total award in the game. The
total award is indicated by the total award display 308 as shown in
FIG. 10.
[0121] Referring now to FIG. 11, a further alternative embodiment
of the present invention is illustrated where the award indicator
400 includes a plurality of first award symbols 402a, 402b and 402c
and a plurality of second award symbols 402d, 402e and 402f. In
this embodiment, the first awards associated with the first award
symbols are different from the second awards associated with the
second award symbols. As shown in FIG. 11, the first awards
associated with the first awards symbols include values such as the
values fifty, five and one hundred. The second awards associated
with the second awards symbols include modifiers such as
multipliers of 3.times., 1.times. and 5.times.. In one embodiment,
at least one of the first and second awards associated with the
first and second award symbols are the same. In another embodiment,
a plurality of the first and second awards associated with the
first and second award symbols are the same. In a further
embodiment, all the first and second awards associated with the
first and second award symbols are the same. In another embodiment,
all of the first and second awards associated with the first and
second award symbols are different. It should be appreciated that
the first and second awards may include any suitable awards,
prizes, free spins, free games, game elements or any other suitable
types of awards.
[0122] Referring now to FIG. 12, another alternative embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated where the gaming device
includes a plurality of award indicators such as the award
indicators 500 and 600. In this embodiment, the gaming device
displays the two award indicators 500 and 600 to the player on the
same housing such as display device 32. It should be appreciated
that the award indicators 500 and 600 may be displayed on the same
display device or housing or on different display devices or
housings. The award indicators 500 and 600 are positioned in the
openings 501 and 601 defined by the display device 32. The opening
501 and 601 are formed to allow enough clearance between the award
indicators and the display device to enable the award indicators to
move (i.e. rotate) within the display device. It should be
appreciated that any suitable number of award indicators may be
employed in a game. Additionally, the display devices may be
connected or otherwise attached to the cabinet of the gaming device
or separate display devices which are in communication with the
processor in the gaming device.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 12, the first award indicator 500 includes
a plurality of award symbols 502a, 502b and 502c and a plurality of
activatable symbol indicators 504a, 504b and 504c which are
positioned adjacent to the award symbols. Similarly, the second
award indicator 600 includes a plurality of award symbols 602a,
602b and 602c and a plurality of activatable symbol indicators
604a, 604b and 604c. In one embodiment, the gaming device or player
selects and activates one of the symbol indicators 504 and one of
the symbol indicators 604 to indicate one of the award symbols 502
and one of the award symbols 602, respectively, in a game. The
award indicator 500 rotates from the left to the right as shown by
arrow 506 and the award indicator 600 rotates from the left to the
right as shown by arrow 606. In this embodiment, the award
indicators 500 and 600 move or rotate in the same direction. It
should be appreciated, however, that the award indicators may
rotate in the same direction, different directions or any
combination of directions as desired by the game implementor.
[0124] Additionally, different awards are associated with the award
symbols 502 and 602. The awards associated with the award symbols
502 are values such as values seventy-five, fifty and ninety. The
awards associated with the award symbols 602 are modifiers such as
multipliers of 2.times., 3.times. and 6.times.. In this embodiment,
the gaming device or player selects and activates one of the symbol
indicators 504 and 604 on the respective award indicators 500 and
600 in a game to indicate one of the award symbols 502 and one of
the award symbols 602 in the game. The awards associated with the
indicated award symbols on the award indicators 500 and 600 are
combined and provided to the player as indicated by the total award
display 508.
[0125] In one example, a player picks symbol indicators 504b and
604b to be activated in a game. The gaming device highlights or
illuminates the activated symbol indicators on each of the award
indicators. The gaming device then moves or spins the award
indicators. When the award indicators stop spinning, the activated
symbol indicators indicate an award symbol 502b having an
associated award of fifty and an award indicator 602b having an
award of 3.times.. The award of fifty is multiplied by the
multiplier of 3.times. to provide the player with a total award of
one hundred fifty as indicated by the total award display 508. It
should be appreciated that the awards associated with the award
symbols on the plurality of award indicators may be any suitable
awards, prizes, modifiers, free spins, free games, game elements or
any other suitable awards. Additionally, the awards associated with
the indicated award symbols in a game may be combined in any
suitable manner desired by the game implementor as described
above.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 13, in another alternative embodiment, the
first and second award symbols can be related to each other in a
game or games in any suitable manner desired by the game
implementor. In the illustrated example, an award indicator 700
including first and second award symbols 702a, 702b, 702c, 702d,
702e, 702f, 702g, 702h, 702i and 702j is displayed on a video
display device such as display devices 30 or 32. Certain of the
first and second award symbols are arranged or positioned on the
award indicator 700 in this example such that the average expected
award provided to the player (i.e, the combination of the first and
second awards associated with indicated first and second award
symbols) is approximately the same in a game.
[0127] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the average expected
award or average total award provided to the player when the first
award symbol 702c is indicated in a game is seventy when a certain
configuration on the award display occurs. Specifically, the first
award associated with the first award symbol 702c is fifty. As
shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 13, the first award symbol 702c
may only be paired with one of the second award symbols 702g, 702h
or 702i based on the fixed arrangement of the first and second
award symbols on the award indicator. Therefore, when the first
award symbol 702c is indicated in a game, the gaming device either
provides a total award of sixty (the sum of the awards associated
with first award symbol 702c and the second award symbol 704g), a
total award of seventy (the sum of the awards associated with first
award symbol 702c and the second award symbol 704h) or a total
award of eighty (the sum of the awards associated with first award
symbol 702c and the second award symbol 704i). Therefore, the
average award or average total award provided to the player is
seventy (i.e., [60+70+80]/3).
[0128] The average award or average total award provided to the
player when the first award symbol 702d is indicated in a game is
different in this illustrated embodiment. Specifically, the first
award associated with the first award symbol 702d is forty. As
shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 13, the first award symbol 702d
may only be paired with one of the second award symbols 702g, 702h
or 702i. Therefore, when the first award symbol 702d is indicated
in a game, the gaming device either provides a total award of sixty
(the sum of the awards associated with first award symbol 702d and
the second award symbol 702h), a total award of seventy (the sum of
the awards associated with first award symbol 702d and the second
award symbol 702i) or a total award of fifty (the sum of the awards
associated with first award symbol 702d and the second award symbol
702g). Therefore, the average award or average total award provided
to the player when first award symbol 702d i2 indicated in the game
is sixty (i.e., [60+70+50]/3). This illustrates how the average
expected values can differ in one embodiment. It should also be
appreciated that the average expected value of each activator
symbol indicator can be the same or can vary. It should further be
appreciated that each award can have the same or a different
probability of being indicated by each symbol indicator.
[0129] In a further embodiment, the first and second award symbols
are arranged on the award indicator so that the average expected
award is different for one or more indications of the first and
second award symbols in the game. For example, the first and second
awards may be arranged on the award indicator so that all of the
relatively larger awards are in one area of the award indicator and
all of the relatively smaller awards are positioned in another area
of the award indicator. Thus, the average expected award based on
two of the relatively larger awards is different than (i.e.,
greater than) the average expected award based on two of the
relatively smaller awards. It should be appreciated that none, a
plurality or all of the average expected awards associated with the
first and second awards of any indicated first and second award
symbols arranged on the award indicator may be different.
[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 14A to 14D, in another embodiment of
the present invention, in addition to the award generator or wheel
100 and the plurality of primary reels 34 as described above, the
gaming device includes at least one award indicator activator
symbol generator 802, such as an extra or secondary reel in
mechanical or video form. In one alternative embodiment, the gaming
device includes a plurality of award indicator activator symbol
generators, such as a plurality of extra or secondary reels. Each
award indicator activator symbol generator includes at least one
and preferably a plurality of award indicator activator symbols,
such as section indicator symbols. Each award indicator activator
symbol is associated with zero, one or more of the award indicators
which are associated with the award generator. In this example,
each award indicator activator symbol is illustrated as a section
indicator symbol which represents zero, one or more of the section
indicators to be activated for one or more activations of the
wheel.
[0131] In one embodiment, one or more section indicator symbols are
not associated with any section indicators of the wheel or other
suitable award generator. In another embodiment, one or more
section indicator symbols are each associated with one section
indicator of the wheel or award generator. In another embodiment,
one or more section indicator symbols are each associated with a
plurality of section indicators of the wheel or award generator. In
another embodiment, one or more section indicator symbols are each
associated with each of the section indicators of the wheel or
other suitable award generator. In this example, as seen in FIG.
14A, section indicator symbol 804 designated by the letter B is
associated with section indicator 108 also designated by the letter
B. Section indicator symbol 806 designated by the letters A and C
is associated with section indicators 106 and 110 which are also
designated by the letters A and C and section indicator symbol 808
designated by the letters A, B and C is associated with section
indicators 106, 108 and 110 which are also designated by the
letters A, B and C. It should be appreciated that while letters are
used to designated the relationship between each section indicator
symbol and each section indicator, other suitable characteristics,
such as colors, numbers or images may be employed in accordance
with the present invention.
[0132] As seen in FIG. 14B, upon a suitable triggering event, such
an appropriate wager, the primary reels are activated to spin. The
primary reels spin to generate a plurality of symbols. If a
predetermined event or condition occurs, such as the generation of
a designated symbol or symbol combination on an active payline 56,
the gaming device activates the award indicator activator symbol
generator. In this case, as the predetermined condition of three
"T" or triggering symbols generated on three adjacent reels
occurred, the gaming device activates the award indicator activator
symbol generator, illustrated in this case as the extra or
secondary reel, to spin.
[0133] As seen in FIG. 14C, the extra reel spins to generate a
section indicator symbol on the active payline. In this case,
section indicator symbol 810 designated by the letters A and C is
generated. The section indicator(s) associated with the generated
section indicator symbol are activated for one or more spins or
generations of the wheel or award generator. In this case, as
section indicator symbol 810 is associated with section indicators
106 and 110, the gaming device activates section indicators 106 and
110 for one or more spins of the reel.
[0134] In one embodiment, the extra wheel is activated after the
occurrence of a suitable predetermined event or condition on the
reels. In another embodiment, the extra reel is activated to
generate a plurality of section indicator symbols simultaneously
with each activation of the primary reels. In this embodiment, for
each activation of the primary reels, the extra reel generates a
section indicator symbol which is utilized if a predetermined event
or condition occurs based on the primary reels. In another
embodiment, the extra reel is activated prior to the activations of
the primary reels. In this embodiment, if a suitable predetermined
event or condition occurs based on the primary reels, the gaming
device utilizes the section indicator symbol generated by the
activated extra reel.
[0135] In one embodiment, the extra reel spins one time to generate
one section indicator symbol. In another embodiment, the extra reel
spins a plurality of times to generate a plurality of section
indicator symbols. In these embodiments, the number of times the
extra reel spins may be predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the player's wager, determined based on the
symbol combination that activated the extra reel or determined in
any other suitable fashion. In one embodiment, if the extra reel
spins a plurality of times to generate a plurality of section
indicator symbols, the gaming device may activate one, more or each
of the section indicator(s) associated with one, more or each of
the generated section indicator symbols.
[0136] In one embodiment, the section indicator(s) associated with
the generated section indicator symbol are activated for one spin
of the wheel or award generator. In another embodiment, the section
indicator(s) associated with the generated section indicator symbol
are activated for a plurality of spins of the wheel or award
generator. In other embodiments, the number of spins the section
indicator(s) associated with the generated section indicator symbol
are activated for is predetermined, randomly determined, determined
based on the player's wager, determined based on the symbol
combination that activated the extra reel or determined in any
other suitable fashion.
[0137] As seen in FIG. 14D, after at least one section indicator is
activated based on the generated section indicator symbol, the
gaming device activates the wheel or award generator to spin one or
more times. The number of times the wheel spins may be
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the
player's wager or determined in any other suitable fashion. For
each spin of the wheel, the award indicated by each activated
section indicator is provided to the player. In this case,
activated indicator 106 indicates an award of one-thousand and
activated indicator 110 indicates an award of fifty. A total award
is determined based on each of the indicated awards and displayed
to the player in a total award display 812. The total award of
one-thousand-fifty (the sum of the two indicated awards) is
provided to the player and the game ends.
[0138] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15C, in another embodiment of the
present invention, in addition to the award generator or wheel 100
and the plurality of primary reels 34 as described above, the
gaming device includes a plurality of award indicator activator
symbol generators, such as independent supplemental reels, in
mechanical or video form. In one embodiment, each of the
independent supplemental reels is associated with one of the award
or section indicators. For example, independent supplemental reel
820 is associated with section indicator 106, independent
supplemental reel 822 is associated with section indicator 108 and
independent supplemental reel 824 is associated with section
indicator 110.
[0139] Each award indicator activator symbol generator is operable
to generate an award indicator activator symbol which is associated
with one of the award activators of the award or symbol generator.
In this example, each different independent supplemental reel is
operable to generate the section indicator activator symbol
associated with the section indicator which relates to that
independent supplemental reel. In other words, one supplemental
reel will include one type of section indicator symbol which is
associated with one section indicator while another supplemental
reel will include another type of section indicator symbol which is
associated with another type of section indicator. For example,
supplemental reel 820 is operable to generate section indicator
symbol 826 designated by the letter A which is associated with
section indicator 106 also designated by the letter A. Each
independent supplemental reel is also associated with an indicator
or designator 828, such as a pointer, which indicates or points to
one of the generated selection indicator symbols.
[0140] FIG. 15A illustrates one example of this embodiment after
the primary reels have spun and a predetermined event or condition
has occurred, in this case three "T" or triggering symbols
generated on three adjacent reels. Accordingly, the gaming device
activates each of the award indicator activator symbol generators
(illustrated as independent supplemental reels). In other
embodiments, the number and type of independent supplemental reels
which are activated is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the player's wager, determined based on
generated designated symbol combination or determined based on any
other suitable manner.
[0141] As seen in FIG. 15B, after the predetermined condition
occurs, the gaming device spins each of the activated independent
supplemental reels to generate either a section indicator symbol or
a non-award indicator activator symbol. For each activated
independent supplemental reel which generates a section indicator
symbol, the gaming device activates the section indicator
associated with that generated section indicator symbol for one or
more spins of the wheel or award generator. It should be
appreciated that for each activated independent supplemental reel
which generates a non-award indicator activator symbol (i.e.,
generates a blank symbol in this illustration), the gaming device
does not activate any section indicator of the wheel or award
generator.
[0142] For example, independent supplemental reel 820 generated a
section indicator symbol, independent supplemental reel 822
generated a section indicator symbol and independent supplemental
reel 824 did not generate a section indicator symbol. Accordingly,
section indicators 106 and 108 which are associated with the two
generated section indicator symbols will be activated for one or
more spins of the wheel or award generator. Additionally,
independent supplemental reel 824 generates a non-award indicator
activator symbol and thus section indicator 110 which is associated
with independent supplemental reel 824 is not activated for one or
more spins of the wheel or award generator.
[0143] In one embodiment, if no independent supplemental reels
generate a section indicator symbol, the gaming device reactivates
one or more of the independent supplemental reels until at least
one supplemental reel generates a section indicator symbol. In
another embodiment, if no independent supplemental reels generate a
section indicator symbol, the gaming device returns to the primary
game and does not activate the wheel to spin.
[0144] As seen in FIG. 15C, after activating one or more of the
section indicators, the gaming device activates the wheel to spin
one or more times. The number of times the wheel spins may be
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the
player's wager or determined in any other suitable fashion. For
each spin of the wheel, the award symbol indicated by each
activated section indicator is provided to the player. In this
case, activated indicator 106 indicates an award of five-hundred
and activated indicator 108 indicates an award of twenty. A total
award of five-hundred-twenty is determined and displayed to the
player in a total award display 812. The total award is provided to
the player and the game ends.
[0145] In one embodiment, the player is enabled to place a separate
wager on one or more of the independent supplemental reels prior to
the activation of any of the independent supplemental reels. In
this embodiment, if the predetermined condition occurs and the
gaming device selects to activate the supplemental reel which the
player wagered on, the player is provided an award. In another
embodiment, the player is enabled to place a separate wager on one
or more of the independent supplemental reels prior to the
activation of any of the supplemental reels. In this embodiment, if
the independent supplemental reel which the player wagered on is
activated and generates a section indicator symbol, the player is
provided an award.
[0146] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what is presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to
be understood that modifications and variations in the present
invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of
this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application
is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *